How Thirsty Are You?

By Steve Goodier

Isn’t it wonderful when we get thirsty – not for water, but thirsty to chase a dream or to so something different?  I think it is those people who crave something with an unquenchable thirst who, in the end, are likely to be most satisfied with their lives.

Alan C. Elliott talks in his book, A Daily Dose of the American Dream, of a five-year study that was undertaken to discover what made some people extraordinarily successful. The study consisted of detailed research into the lives of 120 of the nation’s top artists, athletes, and scholars.

He reports that the researcher was surprised to find that natural abilities played only a small part in the development of those individuals. As children, these unusually successful adults were often mediocre musicians, athletes or students. But research found that they possessed a powerful thirst to succeed. They practiced the piano for hours every day, rose well before school in the morning to practice swimming or running, or spent huge chunks of time alone (time they could have spent hanging out with friends) working on science projects or painting.

Parental support was also a key factor. Parents of these extraordinarily thirsty young people helped out, exposing their children to great ideas and influential persons. Many sacrificed to ensure that their offspring received good training.  But in the end, it was their children’s thirst and single-mindedness that made the difference.

The principle applies to adults, too.  If you want to be more successful, the question you might first ask yourself is, “How thirsty am I?” Your success in any field you choose, anything you want to be or anything you want to do will hinge on your answer to that simple question.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Domestic Reject

When I separated from my ex-husband three years ago, we were making the same amount of money. Now that I’m relying only on unemployment, I thought it was time to request that  the child support be modified. I asked the court for a fee waiver when filing the paperwork since my monthly expenses exceed my income. I had to declare my income (unemployment benefits and child support) and wouldn’t you know it? I “make” too much money to qualify.

The paperwork that came back was titled “Domestic Reject Notice.” I have a good sense of humor and wanted to  laugh, but instead, those words only reminded me of how divorce is viewed – by many – as a failure. Yep, in that case, I would be considered a Domestic Reject.

Explaining to my son why his dad and I are no longer married is not easy, but he has asked that question recently. When I sat down to discuss it with him, the word “fail” never came to mind.  Did my ex and I fail each other? Definitely. But to understand where we were when we were married and to see where we are now only validates (at least in my opinion) that our marriage was not a failure. Our marriage was pretty successful, especially considering the fact that it ended when it did.

We have succeeded at bringing our beautiful son into the world, we continue to succeed at raising him – together, but separately – and our son is healthy and happy.  We’re both very much involved in our son’s life and actively present in the classroom.

I may feel like a Domestic Reject on some occasions, but today is not one of them. Our son started his first day of Kindergarten today and I enjoyed watching him play with the other kids, explore his new classroom and say goodbye  (with little hesitation).

I’ll remember this day for a long time and no matter what happens, my son will always know that he has a loving family that continues to succeed by supporting one another.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

All About You

You’re so vain, you probably think this post is about you! And you’re absolutely right! In order to discover your true desire, your life’s purpose, your strengths – and weaknesses – take the time to answer some questions that will have you looking at yourself in a whole new way.

The following questions are just a sample of those that can be found on the site of Life Success Coach (and my dear friend) Cathy Northcutt.

Who Are You?

What Are Your Visions?

What’s Your Passion?

What’s Draining You?

You – as a Mother or Father

You – as a Professional

You – as a Leader

You – as a Salesperson

Cathy has helped me gain insight on my career, my relationships and my value as a parent educator / coach, friend and mother. She supports those who are open to her suggestions, advice and warm, honest opinions that not only encourage you to be the best you can be, but inspire you reach out and support those around you.

I owe much of my success to many wonderful women in my life. Cathy is just one of them. You’ll hear more from her and about her in the months to come.

Join Cathy tonight for her monthly Nurturning Mother Telegathering, at 9pm (PST). Email Cathy directly to RSVP for tonight’s call.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

It Must be a Sign

I read my horoscope every day. That’s right, each and every day. It’s not the first thing I do when I wake up but my horoscope comes to me daily via email and so, out of pure habit, I continue to read and believe that alignment of the stars and planets have something to do with the outcome of my day.

Here’s today’s horoscope for me, an Aries:

Today you will finally start to see signs that your latest business or career plans are finally coming together! Once again, your drive for success has not let you down — it’s taken you to a really nice place in your life, and you have many options. Use this day as a sort of rest stop on the road to your goals, and kick back with one of your favorite people. Take a long lunch with them and talk about something other than what you have been working on for so long.

I continue to believe.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home